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Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Property amenity
Exterior
Restaurant
Lobby

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, 50322
  • Place, Merle Hay Mall
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(24 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed

Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Suite, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Located in Merle Hay within a mile (2 km) of Merle Hay Mall, Sonesta Essential Des Moines is within a few miles (5 km) of Pioneer Hi-Bred Headquarters. This 150-room hotel has conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Merle Hay Mall - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Drake University - 8 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Jordan Creek Town Center - 12 min drive - 12.2 miles
  • Casey's Center - 12 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Adventureland - 12 min drive - 13.4 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Flix Brewhouse - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Guests of Sonesta Essential Des Moines enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a meeting room. Free parking is available if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls and litter boxes. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a banquet hall, and an ATM.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 43-inch TVs with satellite channels and Netflix. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and free local calls. Housekeeping is available on request.

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  • Pool
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Meeting room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch TV with premium satellite channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls and litter boxes are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Administrative fee: USD 3.00 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Moines/Merle Hays Road
Hotel Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Des Moines/Merle Hays Road Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Suites Des Moines/Merle Hays Road
Econo Moines Merle Hays Road
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Des Moines
Sonesta Essential Des Moines Hotel Des Moines
Econo Lodge Inn Suites Des Moines/Merle Hays Road

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

As of Apr 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sonesta Essential Des Moines on Apr 21, 2026 start from $86, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

This hotel is situated in Merle Hay, close to Casey's Center, Merle Hay Mall, and Living History Farms. You'll also find Val Air Ballroom and Buccaneer Arena within a short drive.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines include a casino at the property?

No, Sonesta Essential Des Moines doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Does Sonesta Essential Des Moines feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Sonesta Essential Des Moines offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will Sonesta Essential Des Moines allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at Sonesta Essential Des Moines for a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls and litter boxes.

How far is the airport from Sonesta Essential Des Moines?

The closest major airport to Sonesta Essential Des Moines is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is 22.4 mi away (29 minutes by car).

Sonesta Essential Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 390 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 235 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 170 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 92 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 117 out of 1004 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bade

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, general ambience was very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

earl

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sakib

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Did not like it too small
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Sven-Christian, Urbandale

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Generally we know that you get what you pay for. But this one was weird. Overall the hotel was clean, but the rooms were weirdly run down. For example the toilet seat was loose, the lid had burn marks. The accent chair had small holes everywhere as it had been attacked by a cat. Fine for a stop on a roadtrip as very close to the interstate.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Dustin

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent all my money on the room. Wouldn't give me a room with out deposit so they took my phone for deposit. Wasn't able to talk to my kids on Christmas eve due to. From desk was rude
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness
We just wanted to get a bath in our room, and we ended up switching rooms three times to get one with a drain plug. The room we got then had no tv remote. They got mad at us and said we could take a refund and leave. We weren't trying to be difficult. We just wanted to soak in a tub
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Bee

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
🙂
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenna

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Kylie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Always pretty satisfied with my room. Dont unserstand the 2 or 3 pillows on a bed unless they are bigger. Hotel i choose over many
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Emily

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I was told there was a 50.00 room deposit, I paid cash for this he said I would get it back right away but never did and I feel taken advantage of. Unfortunately thats not all. When I got to my room there were paint buckets, maintenance equipment in my room with the door propped unlocked. I guess maintenance was coming back to work on the facet. There were stains and dirt on the furniture, dirt and dead bugs on the floor. Is was not a lot but enough still. There was a clump of blonde hair in the hot tub. (Not a blonde). I ended up leaving before the night was over. Room also very cold.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Amel

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

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